With a heady, complex, and compellingly layered mix of ultra-ripe red and black fruit aromas and flavors, the 2016 Schrader T6 is a stunner. This vintage has an elegant mouthfeel that brings with it flavors of black fruits, licorice, and exotic spices and herbs that crescendo into a long and savory finish. In the words of winemaker Thomas Brown, “The Schrader T6 is all about everything in abundance and everything in perfect balance.”

Vintage

The 2016 vintage was marked early in the growing season by rains that helped to recharge the suffering aquifers with much needed rain that helped to alleviate the drought. As the growing season began flowering presented itself with a small crop that was helped through the season by near perfect summer weather. These ideal conditions continued through harvest where we were able to pick at optimal concentration. The resulting wines from this vintage have intense concentration with a great natural balance that likens itself to the consistent growing season.

Vineyard

The Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, first planted in 1868 by viticultural and winemaking icon Hamilton Crabb, has long been regarded as the source of Napa Valley’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Within the vineyard, an alluvial fan provides excellent mineral deposits, and the rich soils are filled with marine sediment. The vines receive full sun and optimal heat during the day and are cooled by marine fog at night. These conditions allow each of the three clones planted in this vineyard (4, 6, and 337), to display its own unique character, and this celebration of individuality is the essence of Schrader.